Rotatable shoe

ABSTRACT

A rotatable shoe having a rotating device which is attached to an outsole of the shoe and includes a rotating body and an outer housing. The rotating body is secured to the outsole of the shoe and is defined, at a rotating center thereof, with an inserting groove which extends in an axial direction. The rotating body has a first inward flange portion which is formed adjacent to an upper end of the inserting groove and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of and at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body. The outer housing possesses a recessed configuration in a manner such that it is coupled to the rotating body. The outer housing has a second inward flange portion which is engaged at a lower end thereof with the stepped portion of the rotating body and a rotating center-defining projection which is integrally formed on a bottom upper surface of the outer housing and is inserted into the inserting groove defined in the rotating body in a manner such that the rotating body can be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotatable shoe, and more particularly, to a rotatable shoe for sports, specifically, for golf, which is enabled to rotate in a predetermined angle as the ankles, knees, and waist of the golfer rotate, while both feet of a golfer are fixedly held on the ground for conducting a shot.

[0002] As well known in the art, athletic shoes are divided, depending upon a sporting event, into football shoes, basketball shoes, golf shoes, bowling shoes, etc. But in the case of the general public, they usually practice most sports, wearing sneakers except specified ones such as golf.

[0003] Among athletic shoes, not only a professional player but also the average person must wear golf shoes to go out ont a golf course.

[0004] When a golfer executes a driver shot or another shot while wearing golf shoes, the golfer must rotate their ankles, knees and other joints such as the waist into a position wherein both feet of the golfer are fixedly held on the ground at a predetermined separation from a place where a golf ball is positioned and the golf club is raised and swung through an arc to contact and drive the golf ball. As a consequence, it is difficult for the average golfer who is not a professional player, to keep his or her balance precisely. Further, if the joint of the body is rotated excessively, the ankles and the knees are unnaturally twisted. Due to this, the ankles, the knees and the waist can be seriously injured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention relates to a rotating device attached to a bottom surface of the sole, also referred to as an outsole, of the shoe. The rotating device includes a rotating body having generally a cylindrical shape and being secured to the outsole of the shoe and an outer housing having a plurality of spikes. A rotation mechanism couples the rotating body and the outer housing such that the rotating body can rotate relative to the outer housing.

[0006] In one embodiment, the rotation mechanism includes an insert groove at a rotating center of either the rotating body and the outer housing. A first inward flange portion projects into the inserting groove. A rotating center-defining projection is carried by the other of the rotating body and outer housing, the projection inserted into the inserting groove such that the rotating body can be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection.

[0007] The rotation mechanism includes in one embodiment a rotating center-defining coupling member inserted in an inserting groove in one of the rotating body and the outer housing, and a through-hole in the other of the rotating body and the outer housing. A reinforcing member has a frusto-conical shape and is fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the rotating body.

[0008] In one embodiment, one of the rotating body and the outer housing has a recess and the other having an outer surface generally complementary to be received by the recess.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art. An object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable shoe which allows continuous exercise of the waist to be taken irrespective of time and place, in a manner such that surplus fat is gotten rid of and muscular development of the waist is ensured so as to improve pliableness of the waist, whereby it is possible to prevent the ankles, the knees and a joint such as the waist of a shoe wearer from being wounded and elevate sporting capability of the shoe wearer.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable shoe comprising: a rotating device attached to an outsole of the shoe and including a rotating body and an outer housing; the rotating body possessing substantially a circular column-shaped configuration, and being secured to the outsole of the shoe, the rotating body having an insert groove at a rotating center thereof, which extends in an axial direction, a first inward flange portion which is formed adjacent to an upper end of the inserting groove, and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body; and the outer housing possessing a recessed configuration in a manner such that the outer housing is coupled to the rotating body, the outer housing having a second inward flange portion which is engaged at a lower end thereof with the stepped portion of the rotating body, and a rotating center-defining projection which is integrally formed on a bottom upper surface of the outer housing and inserted into the inserting groove formed in the rotating body in a manner such that the rotating body can be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable shoe comprising: a rotating device attached to an outsole of the shoe and including a rotating body, a reinforcing member, an outer housing and a rotating center-defining coupling member; the rotating body possessing substantially a circular column-shaped configuration, and being secured to the outsole of the shoe, the rotating body having an inserting groove at a rotating center, which extends in an axial direction, and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body; the reinforcing member possessing a frusto-conically shaped configuration and being fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the rotating body on an upper surface thereof, the reinforcing member having a center hole at a rotating center thereof, which is aligned with the rotating center of the rotating body; the outer housing possessing a recessed configuration in a manner such that the outer housing is coupled to a combination of the rotating body and the reinforcing member, the outer housing having a second inward flange portion which is engaged at a lower end thereof with the stepped portion of the rotating body, and a through-hole at a position which corresponds to the center hole of the reinforcing member; and the rotating center-defining coupling member being formed in a manner such that it is inserted into the inserting groove of the rotating body after passing through the through-hole of the outer housing and the center hole of the reinforcing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0013]FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a rotatable shoe in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views for explaining a rotating operation of the rotatable shoe of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a rotatable shoe in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views for explaining a rotating operation of the rotatable shoe of FIG. 3;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating the rotating device attached to a rear end of the rotatable shoe;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustrating the rotating device attached to a front end of the rotatable shoe;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustrating rotating devices attached to both front and rear ends of the rotatable shoe; and

[0020]FIGS. 8A and 8B are views illustrating a use of the rotatable shoes by a golfer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Reference will now be made in greater detail to embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0022]FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a rotatable shoe 20 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The rotatable shoe 20 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotating device 100. The rotating device 100 includes a rotating body 110 and an outer housing 120. The rotating body 110 possesses a circular column-shaped configuration, and the outer housing 120 possesses a recessed configuration. The rotating body 110 has an inserting groove 111, a first inward flange portion 112, a stepped portion 113 and an annular groove 114. The outer housing 120 has a second inward flange portion 121, a rotating center-defining projection 122 and a plurality of spike pins 123.

[0023] The inserting groove 111 is defined on a lower surface of and at a rotating center of the rotating body 110, and extends upward in an axial direction a predetermined distance. The inserting groove 111 is defined in a manner such that the rotating center-defining projection 122 which is integrally formed with the outer housing 120, is inserted therein.

[0024] The first inward flange portion 112 is projectedly formed adjacent to an upper end of the inserting groove 111. The first inward flange portion 112 functions to prevent the rotating center-defining projection 122 from being released out of the inserting groove 111 once the rotating center-defining projection 122 is inserted into the inserting groove 111 and projects by the first inward flange portion 112.

[0025] The stepped portion 113 is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body 110 at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body 110, in a manner such that a 90° rotated L-shaped corner is produced. The stepped portion 113 is engaged with a lower end of the second inward flange portion 121 of the outer housing 120, so that the stepped portion 113 engages the second inward flange portion 121.

[0026] The annular groove 114 is defined on the lower surface of the rotating body 110 around the inserting groove 111, in such a way as to have a predetermined area. The annular groove 114 is to minimize a friction between the rotating body 110 and the outer housing 120 by reducing the surface contact between them when the rotating body 110 is rotated.

[0027] The rotating center-defining projection 122 is integrally formed on a bottom upper surface of the outer housing 120 at a position which faces the inserting groove 111 defined in the rotating body 110, and is inserted into the inserting groove 111 so as to enable the rotating body 110 to be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection 122. A free upper end of the rotating center-defining projection 122 is formed to have a wedge-shaped contour in a manner such that the rotating center-defining projection 122 can easily pass through the first inward flange portion 112 of the rotating body 110.

[0028] The rotating body 110 can be made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber or synthetic resin. The outer housing 120 can be made of a material having a preselected elasticity which acts inward from a circumferential outer surface of the outer housing 120, such as plastic, synthetic rubber, metal, alloy or the like. The plurality of spike pins 123 are formed on a bottom lower surface of the outer housing 120.

[0029] The rotating device 100 can be formed in a manner such that it is fixedly mounted to a rear end or a front end of a bottom surface of the sole, also referred to as an outsole, 32 of the shoe 30. Otherwise, the rotating device 100 can be formed in a manner such that it is fixedly mounted to both rear and front ends of the outsole 32 of the shoe 30.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a rotatable shoe 22 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The rotatable shoe 22 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotating device 200. The rotating device 200 includes a rotating body 210, a reinforcing member 220, an outer housing 230 and a rotating center-defining coupling member 240. The rotating body 210 possesses substantially a circular column-shaped configuration, the reinforcing member 220 possesses a frusto-conically shaped configuration, and the outer housing 230 possesses a recessed configuration. The rotating body 210 has a stepped portion 211 and an inserting groove 212. The reinforcing member 220 has a center hole 221 and an annular groove 222. The outer housing 230 has an inward flange portion 231, a through-hole 232 and a plurality of spike pins 233.

[0031] The stepped portion 211 is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body 210 at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body 210. The stepped portion 211 is engaged with a lower end of the inward flange portion 231 of the outer housing 230, so that the stepped portion 211 supports the inward flange portion 231.

[0032] The inserting groove 212 is defined on a lower surface of the rotating body at a rotating center of the rotating body 210, and extends upward in an axial direction by a predetermined distance. The inserting groove 212 is defined in a manner such that the rotating center-defining coupling member 240 is inserted therein.

[0033] The center hole 221 is defined through a rotating center of the reinforcing member 220. The center hole 221 has an inner diameter which is smaller than that of the inserting groove 212 and is aligned with the rotating center of the rotating body 210.

[0034] The annular groove 222 is defined on a lower surface of the reinforcing member 220 around the center hole 221, in such a way as to have a predetermined area. The annular groove 222 functions to minimize a friction between the reinforcing member 220 and the outer housing 230 by reducing a surface contact between them when the rotating body 210 is rotated.

[0035] The inward flange portion 231 is projectedly formed in a manner such that the inward flange portion 231 is in rotatable surface contact with the stepped portion 211 which is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the rotating body 210. The inward flange portion 231 is integrally formed with the outer housing 230.

[0036] The through-hole 232 is defined through the outer housing 230 at a rotating center position. A diameter of the through-hole 232 is the same inner diameter with that of the center hole 221 which is defined through the reinforcing member 220.

[0037] The rotating center-defining coupling member 240 is formed so that it is inserted into the inserting groove 212 of the rotating body 210 after passing through the through-hole 232 of the outer housing 230 and the center hole 221 of the reinforcing member 220. A free upper end of the rotating center-defining coupling member 240 is formed to have a wedge-shaped contour in a manner such that the rotating center-defining coupling member 240 can easily pass through the through-hole 232 of the outer housing 230 and the center hole 221 of the reinforcing member 220.

[0038] The rotating body 210 is made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber or synthetic resin. The reinforcing member 220 is made of a material such as plastic, rubber, metal or alloy. The outer housing 230 is made of a material having a preselected elasticity which acts inward from a circumferential outer surface of the outer housing 230, such as plastic, synthetic rubber, metal or alloy. The plurality of spike pins 233 are formed on a bottom lower surface of the outer housing 230.

[0039] The rotating device 200 can be formed in a manner such that it is fixedly mounted to a rear end or a front end of an outsole 32 of the shoe 30. Otherwise, the rotating device 200 can be formed in a manner such that it is fixedly mounted to both rear and front ends of the outsole 32 of the shoe 30.

[0040] Hereinafter, a typical way of using the rotatable shoe according to the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, will be described.

[0041]FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views for explaining a rotating operation of the rotatable shoe of FIG. 1; and FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views for explaining a rotating operation of the rotatable shoe of FIG. 3.

[0042] When a golfer goes to hit the golf ball, the golfer approaches the ball and places his or her feet on the ground a predetermined distance from the ball, and the spikes 123 or 233 engage the ground. The rotating device 100 or 200 is mounted to the outsole 32 of the shoe 30 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4B. As the ankles and the knees are rotated to move the golf club to a position to strike the golf ball, with both feet of a golfer fixedly held on the ground, as shown in FIG. 8A, the outer housing 120 or 230 of the rotating device 100 or 200 which is attached to the shoe 30, is maintained on the ground as the rotating body 110 or 210 which is in rotatable surface contact with the outer housing 120 or 230, is quickly rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the outer housing 120 or 230 as seen in FIGS. 2B and 4B. As the golfer swings through to hit the ball and to a follow-through position as seen in FIG. 8B, the rotating device 100 or 200 rotates.

[0043] In the above motion, the ankles and the knees of the golfer are not twisted severely so that not only a professional player but also an average golfer can execute swing practice in a more pliable and smooth manner.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, in the case that the rotating device 100 or 200 is attached to the rear end of the shoe 30, a rotating center is placed at the rear end of the shoe 30 . On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case that the rotating device 100 or 200 is attached to the front end of the shoe 30, a rotating center is placed at the front end of the shoe 30. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, and or 4B, depending upon a position of the center of gravity of a shoe wearer, the rotating body 110 or 210 is rotated by the predetermined angle.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in the case that the rotating devices 100 or 200 are attached to both rear and front ends of the shoe 30, depending upon a position of the center of gravity of a shoe wearer, rear or front rotating device 100 or 200 can be selectively rotated.

[0046] Consequently, it is contemplated that the rotatable shoes in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the present invention are not limitedly applied to a golf shoe, and instead, can be broadly applied to a football shoe, a tennis shoe, a basketball shoe, and so on, which require rotation of the ankles and/or the knees.

[0047] Also, by the fact that, at ordinary times, the rotatable shoe according to the present invention can be used, as occasion arises, for continuous exercise of the waist, irrespective of time and place, surplus fat of the waist can be gotten rid of and muscular development of the waist can be ensured, whereby pliableness of the waist can be improved. Further, as muscles of the ankles and the knees are strengthened to constitute a healthy lower part of the body, energy can be supplied to all nerves without a hitch, whereby healthfulness of the body can be guaranteed. Hence, the rotatable shoe according to the present invention can be always employed regardless of place even upon mountain-climbing and jogging.

[0048] As a result, the rotatable shoe according to the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, provides advantages in that, when the rotatable shoe is used as an athletic shoe, in particular, as a golf shoe, since the rotatable shoe is enabled to be rotated through a predetermined angle as the ankles, the knees and the waist of a golfer are rotated while both feet of the golfer are fixedly held on the ground for conducting a shot, the ankles, the knees and a joint such as the waist of the golfer are prevented from being injured. Moreover, because the rotatable shoe is smoothly rotated when the body of the golfer is rotated, a flight distance of a golf ball can be increased. Furthermore, due to the fact that the rotatable shoe according to the present invention can be rotated as occasion demands even when it is used for a basketball shoe, a football shoe, and so forth, effectiveness of exercise can be further enhanced.

[0049] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotatable shoe comprising: a rotating device attached to an outsole of the shoe and including a rotating body and an outer housing; the rotating body possessing substantially a circular column-shaped configuration, and being secured to the outsole of the shoe, the rotating body having an insert groove at a rotating center thereof, which extends in an axial direction, a first inward flange portion which is formed adjacent to an upper end of the inserting groove, and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body; and the outer housing possessing a recessed configuration in a manner such that the outer housing is coupled to the rotating body, the outer housing having a second inward flange portion which is engaged at a lower end thereof with the stepped portion of the rotating body, and a rotating center-defining projection which is integrally formed on a bottom upper surface of the outer housing and inserted into the inserting groove formed in the rotating body in a manner such that the rotating body can be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection.
 2. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating body is made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber or synthetic resin; the outer housing is made of a material having a preselected elasticity which acts inward from a circumferential outer surface of the outer housing, such as plastic, synthetic rubber, metal or alloy; a plurality of spike pins are formed on a bottom lower surface of the outer housing; and a upper end of the rotating center-defining projection of the outer housing is formed to have a wedge-shaped contour in a manner such that the rotating center-defining projection can easily pass through the first inward flange portion of the rotating body.
 3. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating device is formed in a manner such that the rotating device is fixedly mounted to a rear end or a front end of the outsole of the shoe.
 4. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating device is formed in a manner such that the rotating device is fixedly mounted to the rear and front ends of the outsole of the shoe.
 5. A rotatable shoe comprising: a rotating device attached to an outsole of the shoe and including a rotating body, a reinforcing member, an outer housing and a rotating center-defining coupling member; the rotating body possessing substantially a circular column-shaped configuration, and being secured to the outsole of the shoe, the rotating body having an inserting groove at a rotating center, which extends in an axial direction, and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of the rotating body at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body; the reinforcing member possessing a frusto-conically shaped configuration and being fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the rotating body on an upper surface thereof, the reinforcing member having a center hole at a rotating center thereof, which is aligned with the rotating center of the rotating body; the outer housing possessing a recessed configuration in a manner such that the outer housing is coupled to a combination of the rotating body and the reinforcing member, the outer housing having a second inward flange portion which is engaged at a lower end thereof with the stepped portion of the rotating body, and a through-hole at a position which corresponds to the center hole of the reinforcing member; and the rotating center-defining coupling member being formed in a manner such that it is inserted into the inserting groove of the rotating body after passing through the through-hole of the outer housing and the center hole of the reinforcing member.
 6. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotating body is made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber or synthetic resin; the reinforcing member is made of a material such as plastic, rubber, metal or alloy; the outer housing is made of a material having a preselected elasticity which acts inward from a circumferential outer surface of the outer housing, such as plastic, synthetic rubber, metal or alloy; a plurality of spike pins are formed on a bottom lower surface of the outer housing; and the rotating center-defining coupling member comprises a bolt, and the bolt has a head portion which is formed to have a wedge-shaped contour.
 7. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotating device is formed in a manner such that the rotating device is fixedly mounted to a rear end or a front end of the outsole of the shoe.
 8. The rotatable shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotating device is formed in a manner such that the rotating device is fixedly mounted to rear and front ends of the outsole of the shoe.
 9. A rotating device attached to a bottom surface of a sole of the shoe, the rotating device comprising: a rotating body having generally a cylindrical shape and being secured to the bottom surface of the sole of the shoe; an outer housing having a plurality of spikes; and a rotation mechanism coupling the rotating body and the outer housing such that the rotating body can rotate relative to the outer housing.
 10. A rotating device of claim 9 wherein the rotation mechanism includes an insert groove at a rotating center of one of the rotating body and the outer housing, a first inward flange portion which projects into the inserting groove, and a rotating center-defining projection carried by the other of the rotating body and outer housing, the projection inserted into the inserting groove such that the rotating body can be rotated around the rotating center-defining projection.
 11. A rotating device of claim 9 wherein the rotation mechanism includes a rotating center-defining coupling member inserted in an inserting groove in one of the rotating body and the outer housing, and a through-hole in the other of the rotating body and the outer housing.
 12. A rotating device of claim 11 further comprising a reinforcing member having a frusto-conical shape and being fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the rotating body.
 13. A rotating device of claim 9 wherein one of the rotating body and the outer housing has a recess and the other having an outer surface generally complementary to be received by the recess. 